UP Theater Mission and Values
MISSION STATEMENT
Advancing the University of Portland’s conviction that education develops the whole person, our Theater Program prepares students for productive participation in local, national, and global society. Through intentional production practices and reflective course work we are striving to make identity-conscious and ethnoculturally competent theatre. Toward this goal, we provide a comprehensive foundation of theater coursework with the ability to focus training in performance, design, management, directing, playwriting and dramaturgy. Students acquire vital skills that span every discipline such as collaboration, project management, critical analysis, and public presentation, providing direct access to performing arts careers and any other profession.
VALUES STATEMENT
The University of Portland Theatre Program values a creative and collaborative environment that leads to an inclusive and satisfying artistic experience for all regardless of age, disability, race, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation.
We will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching and training in all theater classes.
We facilitate multiple viewpoints, voices and ideas in every classroom, every rehearsal and every production by honoring and including all identities represented in every space.
We will reinforce the collaborative classroom experience over individualism with the goal of giving all students agency in the learning environment.
The program commits to:
Developing communication systems that encourage input and feedback.
Establishing ways to address and handle conflict.
Staying open and listening to what others have to say and accepting that there are many ways to get to the same goal. Defensiveness and resistance to exploration and change can work in opposition to our values.
Making every effort to keep decisions and the decision-making process transparent where possible.
Productively performing as a member of a team. Power sharing with a focus on our values and mission.
Developing a culture of appreciation and respect for the time, efforts, and talents of everyone involved in the creative process.
Separating the person from the mistake. Mistakes offer opportunities for learning.
Promoting mental and physical health through realistic funding and time frames.
Creating realistic workplans so that assigned tasks can be performed safely and efficiently.
Placing value on process over product and making experiences both enjoyable and challenging.